Macromolecule extracted from Gracilaria caudata reduces inflammation and restores hepatic function in nimesulide-induced hepatic damage

The Ocean’s Pharmacy: Health Discoveries in Marine Algae

“…Furthermore, the integrity of the gut's protective mucosal barrier was restored and intestinal innate immunity was enhanced, which led to the overall improvement of intestinal health [157]. These findings indicate that isolated compounds derived from macroalgae may hold significant promise for the treatment of gut diseases, whereas intestinal health was mainly improved by hydroquinones [158] and polysaccharides [156]; (ulcerative) colitis by terpenes [155], phlorotannins [152,154], and carotenoids [151,152,154]; and hepatic health by polysaccharides [146] and polyphenols [147]. Interestingly, a commercial formulation composed of polysaccharides, phlorotannins, and other polyphenols [145] displayed promising results for NASH and NAFLD, which may indicate that these compounds could have synergistic effects.…”

“…The treatment also restored hepatic lipid metabolism by modulating genes involved in lipogenesis [147]. Furthermore, it decreased oxidative stress by increasing the profile of antioxidant liver enzymes and ultimately decreased liver damage, as evidenced by the decrease in liver enzymes in the serum and the improvement of the abnormal cellular architecture of liver tissue [146,148]. Hence, the algae-based compounds that were evaluated effectively influenced all the fundamental factors that contribute to the development and progression of NAFLD, suggesting their potential as a source for therapeutic interventions.…”

“…A total of 14 in vivo studies were incorporated in this review to assess the impact of extracts, compounds, or commercial items on liver health (n = 4) or gut health (n = 10), all of macroalgal origin (Table 8). In terms of liver health, the treatment with algal compounds resulted in a reduction in body [145] and liver weight [146], indicating a decrease in fat accumulation and a decrease in liver steatosis [145]. Additionally, hepatic inflammation was reduced through the reduction in cytokine production and the modulation of inflammatory pathways [147].…”